Monday, December 10, 2007

Top 20 Tracks of 2007

Ah, time flies.Year 2007 almost comes to a close, once again I list my favourite tracks of the year. I made a list of ten tracks last year, 2007 has rewarded us so many stellar moments in music that ten is defininitely not enough to sum up what I have been listening for the past 12 months. Looking back, there was a mix of incredible comebacks that regain my love and newly discovered gems that capture right off my ears. Suprisingly on this list, only one artist has appeared on my previous year end list, and a handful of the the artists in this year's list are almost unheard of by me or their old materials just did not appeal to me. Excuse me for the recycle use of vocabulary in my descriptions, here are my top twenty favourite tracks of year 2007:

2080 - YeasayerThis track is simpy astonishing. It's got everything, melodic chanting, harmonized chorus, heart-thump drums, clarinets, guitars, you name it. Yeasayer's ridiculous energy is well displayed with its wild, Animal Collective-like chants during the bridge's climax, coupled by some eerie children choirs in the remainder of the track.

Run To Your Grave -The Mae ShiThis is probably the most-played track in my playlist this year. The jingle-like melody and the feel-good sing-along vibe make this track a catchy-as-shit indie rock track. Closing with a cool Nitendo-like sound effect, it is utterly fun and addictive. Not to forget, it comes with a great and colourful video too.

Someone Great -LCD SoundsystemBuilt on synthesizers and a dual vocal-and-glockenspiel melody, this bittersweet pop song grabbed me by ears right off the bat. As James Murphy's finest lyrical moment to date, this track helps further the notion that he should be recognised as a great songwriter, not simply a skilled musician with a few studio tricks.

Your English Is Good -Tokyo Police ClubAnother excellent slice of upbeat jangles guitar pop from the Canadian bright young things. With all shouty group vocals and summery guitar sounds, this song always goes over well in the party atmosphere. The only let down is, where is their debut album!?

Men's Needs -The CribsMen's Needs is purely fantastic - tight, catchy and simple. Starting with a riff that will linger in your head until the end of time, this track is no doubt a perfect indie pop gem. It all adds up to the Jarman brothers' catchiest, glammest and best song to date.Cribs+Kapranos=Pop Genius

The Opposite of Hallelujah -Jens LekmanJens Lekman is undoubtedly a true pop music genius. The melancholy instrumentation of strings and piano, Jens fantastic vocal delivery, and witty lyrics in this track just have me filled with happiness after listen.

Pioneer to the Falls - InterpolElegant yet dark and atmospheric, this phenomenal song simply blows my mind. Haunting soulful guitars riff and odd piano tinkle, complete with funereal trumpet, set the experience up to be epic. Best track on the album.

Fluorescent Adolescent - Arctic MonkeysHow can these Sheffield lads be left out in a year-end best of list? Jangly guitar riffs supported by driving bass, plus one of the catchiest choruses of the year in "oh the boy's a slag, the best you ever had", would you expect anything less than instantly catchy? A brilliant pop gem that I can't stop listening.

Atlas - BattlesThrow in some massive energetic drums, chunky riffs, low-rolling bassline and weird synthesised chipmunk vocal, and you have this insanely inventive track. Who would thought of experimental math rock can be that danceable? Awesome.

The Magic Position - Patrick Wolf "Shoot, bang, fire!" An infectious clap along chorus and an endless stomping beat that demands participation, coupled with saxophones, chimes and children squeal, this uplifting track creeps into my ears and doesn't escape. Glorious magical pop.

Elephant Gun -BeirutBegins with that signature ukulele sound, bottomed out with marching band drums and Condon's lovely vocal, and ends with a gear shift to another flavor of accordion and horn, "Elephant Gun" brings a soothing and joyousness feel to me. Lovely.

Bullets -Tunng'Bullets' is made up of warm guitar arrangements, strange percussion line and harmonious piano and vocals, resulting in a joyous, catchy and fun tune, which makes you tap your foot and sing-along uncontrollably.

Gronlandic Edit -Of Montreal Pure pop pleasure with funky bassline, and Kevin Barnes's deadly falsetto out of the blue make this track a frantic fun-fest of disco-fuelled indie. 'Physics makes us all its bitches' is such a great line.

15 Steps - RadioheadThe edgy and clattering beatwork and rhythm are brilliant in this album opener, contrasting greatly with the more fluent guitar riffs and melodies. The part where the kids yell merrily really clinches it, giving a rare sense of delight in the Radiohead catalog. They certainly did not disappoint this time. Excellent song, great album.

Australia - The ShinsThe Shins is just so damn fine. Their summery blend of pop melody evoke a feeling of comfort and joyfulness, and Australia follows this trend. With a banjo chucked in for good measure, this is as addictive as other Shins' classics.

Plasticities - Andrew BirdOpen with some beautifully plucked strings, Bird croons over his trademark violin, augmented by wonderful vocal, snappy guitar hook and hand claps in this wonderful power pop track. Great stuff.